AP Consulting, LLC dba Ask April Porter.

St. Louis, Missouri - The SWAG™ {Sanity, Wealth, and Gratitude™} Conference focused on providing Elite Business Education for Franchisees & Small Business Owners, held at The Vue 17 in Brentwood, Missouri, April 18-21, 2023, and concluded with the presentation of SWAG™ Awards. 

The prestigious SWAG™ Awards showcase each recipient's expertise and reputation for excellence to their employees, customers, communities, fans, and the entirety of the franchising industry. These recipients embody the spirit of Sanity, Wealth, and Gratitude™ in their mission, leadership, mentorship, impact on their communities, lead by example and invest in personal and professional growth of themselves and those around them.

The winners of this year's SWAG™ Awards are:

THE  SWAG™ AWARD [Franchisee] - Becka Shoener, Snapology. Becka was nominated for the SWAG Franchisee of the Year award because of her coachability and the growth that she has made in her business over the past year allowing her to step out of the daily business operations and work on the company’s growth. Her hard work is clearly showing, as she has broken revenue records in 2022, and is on track to beat that number in 2023! Visit snapology.com/location/lancaster

THE  SWAG™ AWARD [Franchisor] - Tiffany and Ryan Dodson, The Salt Suite. Tiffany and Ryan have a long history in franchising as both franchisees and, now, franchisors of The Salt Suite. They lead with a commitment to franchisee education and continue to demonstrate their focus on franchisee success. This franchisee-first approach supports each franchisee’s journey to a life of Sanity, Wealth, And GratitudeTM and serves as an example to the franchising industry. Visit thesaltsuite.com/Franchise

THE  SWAG™ AWARD [Small Business Owner]  - Cheryl Parrish, The Rose & Hook. Cheryl has demonstrated an amazing drive and commitment to her clients, staff, and community through business ownership. In 2022, she implemented dozens of business strategies to develop a team of leaders and serve from a perspective of gratitude. In 2023, she will introduce an expansion into her second boutique in Eureka, MO - Lillie James Boutique + Gifts. Visit theroseandhook.com

FRANCHISEE HERO AWARD - Carmine Mazzarella, Pearle Vision.  Carmine is always fighting for what's best for the brand, but also what is best for his staff and patients at the same time. He consistently helps out other franchisees, both inside and outside his brand, to help them grow and succeed. His mission is to make everything and everyone better than they started out, to inspire everyone around him, and to always do what's right. He puts people first and money last. There are many opticians in our industry and many leaders that would not be where they are today if it weren't for him investing in them and believing in them.

SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR AWARD - Zach Garrett, Founder of Liftify.  Founded in early 2020 with a mission to “lift” great business by building strong online reputations focused on increasing company reviews. The average customer has increased their online reviews by over 200% since joining. In just two and a half years Liftify has helped over 750 business locations across 47 US states, every province in Canada, and also businesses in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and New Zealand build a stronger online reputation. Visit liftify.com

FRANCHISEE ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR - Robert Zarco, Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A. National Leading Franchise Law And Commercial Litigation Firm.  Robert Zarco was born in Cuba and came to New York with his parents in 1961 at the age of 2, fleeing Communism and leaving all material possessions behind. The sacrifices of his parents combined with Robert’s personal drive, determination, and hard work led him to great achievements. He graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, earned an MBA from Pace University’s School of Business, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Miami School of Law. As a founding partner of Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A., He has built a national reputation in franchise law and complex commercial litigation with over 35 years of experience as an extraordinary business trial lawyer. A genuine family man, Robert lives his life fully by the mottos he cherishes most: “Always do the Right Thing”, “Work hard, Play hard” and “Live, Love, Learn & Laugh” Visit zarcolaw.com

"We are honored to recognize these outstanding individuals and organizations for their hard work, dedication, and leadership," said SWAG™ Conference organizer, April Porter. "Their success and contributions to their respective fields and communities are truly inspiring."

For more information about the SWAG™ Conference and the SWAG™ Awards, visit https://www.askaprilporter.com/conference-0